1. On July 13, 1790, the Residence Act was passed, which established a permanent capital for the newly formed United States in the District of Columbia. The act allowed for the creation of a capital city that would not be part of any state and set aside land for the construction of government buildings.

2. On July 13, 1861, a group of free African Americans from the District of Columbia marched to the White House to demand that President Abraham Lincoln allow them to fight in the Union army. Despite initial reluctance from some military leaders, thousands of African American soldiers from the District of Columbia and other parts of the country would eventually join the Union army during the Civil War.

3. On July 13, 1943, the Washington Redskins professional football team held their first training camp at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The Redskins had previously held their training camps in Wisconsin and California, but moved to Pennsylvania due to travel restrictions during World War II.

4. On July 13, 1954, Washington, D.C. resident William B. Hazel developed a process for making high-quality charcoal briquettes from sawdust, which he then patented. The invention revolutionized the charcoal industry, making it easier for consumers to grill and cook outdoors.

5. On July 13, 2014, the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture broke ground on its permanent home on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The museum, which opened in 2016, showcases the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans in the United States.